Assuming that you have traditional wood double hung windows, your best method for retaining the windows and providing some modern day equivalence to energy efficiency, is to install storm windows. The old wood windows generally have very loose tolerances, and it is difficult to install weather-stripping that will not interfere with the functionality of the old windows. A cabinet shop can build wooden window frames as simple as they build cabinet doors. The open frames can then receive glass from a local glass shop. Because this "accessory" is a fixed window frame, applying weather-stripping to the storm panel frame is simple. Essentially, you are replicating what was done 100 years ago, except that you are adding a rubberized material to the edges, and sealing out the air flow to the interior side of the building. If you take it a step further, the wooden frames can be designed and constructed to accept a dual-pane glass unit with a low-e coating. In a cold environment, this storm panel with low-e glass would provide the same energy efficient qualities of a modern window. These storm panels would remain installed during the months that you would not normally require ventilation (i.e. the cold months). Using this method allows you to retain your original wood windows, while also achieving modern day energy efficiencies. The trade-off to this approach is that it requires additional "maintenance" in removing and storing the storm panel accessories at the change of seasons; This is something modern windows don't require.

It's an old window with pulleys and weights behind the jambs. There is a space for the weights and then there seems to be another wood frame embedded in the blocks. The jambs frame the sashes and an outer frame frames the weight pockets and the jambs. It may be only this outer frame that is attached to the masonry. So you think it is possible to remove the brickmold and jambs while leaving the stool and interior molding in place, and use a full frame replacement (with a full depth jamb and not a 3 1/4 inch jamb)? The interior trim may be nailed to the outer frame and this is what would make this possible. But I am not sure how this could be anything other than a hack job. I have only found this one mention of it anywhere. Thanks for any comments!

Yeah. I have the partial double drip cap right now on my windows (only over the window, and then over the whole trim board above the window), and would like to get the full width drip caps for more security. Been watching install videos from Marvin about good practices, and seems like my contractor is on the right page. One issues that arises that I would love an opinion on: my house does not have Tyvek or other wraps close to the windows. Original windows were set and nailed in, and then the cedar wrap put around, and THEN Jumbo D paper installed for the stucco butting up to the trim. When they take the cedar off and the window out, I will have a bare opening with 6" around the perimeter of it with no wrap, or wrap into the opening. Is it worth it, and can they do it in a way to not disturb the stucco, to "wrap" the window opening? Of course they will need to make sure they layer it in a way to ensure proper drainage plane. Is this something I should advocate to be done as well?

Hi, E Weiss, It looks like you've got a lot of responses to sift through! I just wanted to chime in and ask if you've considered other window materials? I think wood is beautiful but you're right they are pretty expensive especially when you want to replace all the windows in a house or building and without regular/frequent maintenance they won't last long. Even aluminum or fiberglass cladded aluminum windows eventually need to be replaced because water/moisture can find its way behind the cladding. I think I read that you're in an area that experiences lots of rain or snow? If you would consider something other than wood I would recommend looking for a fiberglass window vendor. A quality fiberglass window can outperform a quality vinyl and will certainly outperform an aluminum window. They'll also last longer than wood windows with much less maintenance. I can't recommend any specific product line for you, we're in Texas and used to sell Milgard's Ultra Series but Milgard was acquired by another company and they've left the state. Milgard may have also stopped selling the fiberglass Ultra series. It looks like fiberglass-windows.com suggests Marvin, Milgard, Fibergrame, and Pella as fiberglass window manufacturers. Good luck with your replacement project! - Ariana